THE evolution of techniques to reduce the noise made by submarines and surface vessels was described to Helensburgh Heritage Trust members and guests at the second open meeting of the winter season on Wednesday October 30 2013.

THE dramatic story of the top secret Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment in Helensburgh and Rhu in World War Two and why it came to Garelochside was revealed at Helensburgh Heritage Trust’s final open meeting of the 2012-13 winter season on March 27.

Author Robin Bird, who has published one book about the establishment and written a second, travelled from his Merseyside home and told an enthralled full house about what was officially known as RAF Helensburgh, showing a number of images never before seen in public.

TWO Helensburgh enthusiasts for Mauchline Ware spoke about the history and variety of the popular wooden collectibles at the February 27 2013 meeting of Helensburgh Heritage Trust.

A packed audience in the meeting room at Helensburgh Tennis Club heard Pat Wiseman and Isobel Stirling, both members of the Mauchline Ware Collectors Club for over 25 years and collectors themselves, explain why they were so fascinated by the souvenirs, some of which sell for large sums.

THE story of the Scottish Maritime Museum at Irvine and Dumbarton was told at the well-attended January open meeting of Helensburgh Heritage Trust.

Operations manager David Mann was welcomed to Helensburgh Tennis Club by Trust chairman Stewart Noble, and he said that a new display is currently being prepared at Irvine and will be open from May 23.